Since 2022, the partnership between IFNUL and EC2U has grown through a wide range of initiatives. In particular, over the course of the last two years, IFNUL has actively taken part in the EC2U events, including but not limited to, the EC2U Student Events, the EC2U Forums and the EC2U Think Tanks.

In a nutshell, over 50 students and staff from IFNUL have joined EC2U activities, and the outcomes are already very positive. These activities have fostered connections between students, faculty, and researchers, creating meaningful opportunities for exchange and cooperation.

Yuliia Voloshchuk, a former student and now a staff member at IFNUL’s Centre for International Cooperation, reflects on the impact of this partnership:

"I had a unique opportunity to be involved in the EC2U activities both as a student and now as a staff member. And this experience had an immense influence on me and my vision of international cooperation. As a student attending the Forum, participating in the Voice of Students competition, and joining a Student Event, I truly felt like a part of the European educational community. Working with students from Partner Universities, engaging in cultural exchange, and gaining international experience really helps break down barriers, allows us to learn about other cultures, and gives us inspiration. [...] For me, our associated membership in EC2U is about continuous development and giving voice to Ukrainian youth and professionals. It makes our university stronger and reminds me why international cooperation is so important."

Oksana Molderf, Head of the Centre for International Cooperation, emphasises the strategic importance of this Alliance:

"Over the years, participation in the EC2U Alliance has become one of the key elements of internationalisation for Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. The partnership has opened up new opportunities for academic mobility for students and staff, participation in joint educational initiatives, projects, and inter-university events, including Forums, workshops, and thematic schools. The university has strengthened its presence in the European Higher Education Area and gained practical experience in cooperation within a multilateral university alliance. An important achievement was the expansion of the network, increasing the international recognition of IFNUL, and creating new opportunities for the professional development of employees. Our EC2U partnership also contributed to the сapicity building, the development of the Third Mission, and the strengthening of IFNUL's role as an active participant in the European academic community."

Beyond participating in activities organised by the EC2U Alliance, IFNUL also contributes to the Alliance’s governance, helping shape its development and future priorities. Two IFNUL students are part of the EC2U Student Council, ensuring the quality and relevance of student-oriented initiatives and representing the university within the Alliance’s decision-making processes.

Diana Bilas, EC2U Student Representative, shares her experience:

"EC2U unites ambitious youth who strive for change for the better! I am deeply impressed by how thoroughly the Alliance manage to combine identifying what is wrong and finding a way to solve these challenges. As an example of this statement I can consider my recent practical experience which includes a trip to the University of Pavia in October 2025. During the week, my colleagues and I worked on the topic of active civic education. Together, we attended informative lectures from experts about effective public erudition, joined useful activities and volunteering, created our own project in the chosen field. For me, a very important indicator of success is our meetings with students from the EC2U Partner Universities. Thanks to such networking, all ideas, opinions and proposals from each university are taken into account, which confirms the Alliance's interest in the qualitative development of international cooperation."

Marta Matviiv, EC2U Student Representative, sums up the spirit of this partnership:

"There’s strength in unity. EC2U membership is about opportunities, cooperation, and conversations that turns into actions. As a student representative, I see many challenges ahead, but I am convinced that this cooperation will be fruitful."

The partnership between IFNUL and EC2U continues to demonstrate the value of international cooperation in building a shared academic future. While the EC2U Alliance will continue to strengthen its cooperation with IFNUL as an Associated Partner during the upcoming years, it is to be noted that IFNUL's participation within EC2U has gradually been institutionalised.

Andriana Terekhovska, Local Coordinator, ensures seamless cooperation and guarantees student and staff access to the EC2U network.

”I am extremely glad to see that Lviv University is more and more integrated into the Alliance every year. We are always happy to learn from the member universities, and also to contribute to the EC2U activities. I can clearly see how our partnership is changing the academic community of our university - both faculty and students, making us better prepared for the full EU integration.”

And to reflect:

"Seeing all the achievements, hearing the feedback of students, staff and stakeholders, having more and more involvement, all this truly is a source of hope and inspiration. We are extremely grateful for all the opportunities and the continuous support of the EC2U Partners."

For the EC2U Alliance, this collaboration represents not only academic cooperation, but also a shared commitment to solidarity, innovation, and a Europe connected through knowledge, as Ludovic Thilly concludes:

"Since 2022, the EC2U Alliance and its entire community have been committed to support Ukraine and Ukrainian Universities in general, and to support IFNUL staff and students in particular. Today, more than ever, we are proud to have IFNUL as one of our Associated Partners. The EC2U motto "Empower, Connect, Collaborate, Unite" has never been so true with respect to our Ukrainian colleagues and friends!"